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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Emirates Hotels & Resorts' new property joins exclusive Leading Hotels of the World listing

Two months after its soft opening, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, in the iconic Greater Blue Mountains, has been recognised as one of the world's best luxury resorts.

The Emirates Hotels & Resorts property has been included as a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World portfolio. Only five Australian properties hold this membership status to date, with Wolgan Valley the second only in New South Wales.

As the world's foremost authority on hotel assessment and grading, the Leading Hotels of the World serves as the benchmark for the luxury hospitality industry, and only accepts its members following a rigorous and anonymous inspection process to arrive at the elite worldwide list. Just 450 of the finest hotels, resorts and spas around the world are included.

With sister property Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai already a member, Emirates Hotels & Resorts now has both its properties included in the prestigious luxury hospitality portfolio.

Tony Williams, Senior Vice President, Resorts & Projects, Emirates Hotels & Resorts, said: "This is great news for Emirates Hotels & Resorts, and for the Australian travel industry. We believe that the opening of our Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is significantly boosting the luxury travel sector in Australia, and we are delighted that Leading Hotels of the World has recognised our contribution."

Even at this very early stage the resort scored high points across all areas of the inspection report, from room facilities and guest services, to housekeeping and food & beverage.

"As the sector grows, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will continue to partner with other Australian resorts of similar calibre in order to add further value to the international traveller experience," Mr Williams added.

"The hotels within The Leading Hotels of the World collection cater to the discriminating traveller, where first-class service is the norm rather than the exception," said Philip Ho, Vice President, Asia Pacific of The Leading Hotels of the World. "For Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa to be accepted as a new member demonstrates the resort's true commitment to quality, consistency and personalised service."

Heralding a new era of luxury travel in Australia, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has taken up a leadership role in hospitality as well as conservation. The resort protects its surrounding habitats and indigenous wildlife species, while delivering the first-class standards, quality services and unique experiences expected from luxury resorts.

Pic: A 25m outdoor infinity swimming pool and adjoining Jacuzzi are also available to guests, with poolside service and lounge areas offering commanding views of the spectacular Wolgan Valley escarpments.